Five great motorcycle rides to take in Washington state
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A motorcyclist takes a sunset ride along the coast on a fall evening in November. Photo: Kevin Carter/Getty Images
Washington motorcyclists are spoiled for choice when it comes to having easy access to some of the best rides in the nation.
Driving the news: With the foliage getting ready to put on a vibrant display and a few more weeks of potentially great weather, now is a good time to pack up the saddle bags and hit the road.
- But don't wait too long; some of these routes close for snow and are not that fun in the rain.
Here are five of our favorites:
Mount Rainier Loop
Full of twisty fun and a chance to see the great mountain from different angles, the Mount Rainier Loop starts on Highway 410 in Enumclaw, cuts to State Route 123 and then Stevens Canyon Road.
- Some of these roads typically close in November. 147 miles.
Highway 101 Loop (Olympic Peninsula)
One of the most scenic rides in Washington, Highway 101 offers a mix of coastal and forest scenery. This loop around the peninsula takes you through dense rainforests, past lakes like Crescent and Quinault, and along rugged Pacific shores.
- Loads of places to stop and explore. 300 miles.
Highway 14 (Columbia River Gorge)
This ride along the Columbia River from Vancouver to the Tri-Cities features dramatic cliffs, a basalt canyon, sweeping river views and a chance to experience the state's range of climates from forests to desert.
- 180 miles one way.
- Pro tip: Spend a night in Goldendale, home to one of the nation's largest public telescopes.
Highway 20 (North Cascades Highway)
From evergreen forests to alpine landscapes, old bridges and breathtaking views, this bucket list ride is among the very best in the state. Highway 20 often closes by mid-October.
- The longer Cascade loop on 20 and Route 2 is considered one of the most beautiful rides in the country. 457 miles.
Spirit Lake Highway (Mount St. Helens)
While this route is short, it's more of a weekend trip than a day trip for Seattleites based on how long it takes to get down there. State Route 504 has sweeping turns and takes riders to the dramatic landscape around Mount St. Helens and to the Johnston Ridge Observatory. 52 miles.
Plus: Two shorter rides that are suitable for last minute day trips and good for beginners are the Little Loop around the Hood Canal and a ride to Port Townsend via Paradise Bay Road and Oak Bay Road.
Don't have a bike? You can rent one starting around $50 a day.
Can't get away? Ride through the city at night or early in the morning, when Seattle's roads are nice and open and zipping up and down Virginia and Stewart streets without traffic feels like a vacation.
If you go: Double check the weather and road conditions and always bring a water and windproof layer.